On July 10th, at the 264th edition of Ultimate in Las Vegas, a crucial showdown for the future of the UFC‘s bantamweight (61 kg) division will take place (USA). Irene Aldana and Yana Kunitskaya, currently ranked fourth and fifth in the group, will clash in the world’s most renowned octagon, with a view toward a championship fight.
ESPN first announced the news, which was later reported by both athletes on their social media accounts. UFC 264 will be headlined by the third installment of the series between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, in a battle that may determine the next lightweight title challenger (70 kg).
Mexican Irene Aldana enters the match looking to reclaim her two-game winning streak, which was broken by Holly Holm in October 2020. In contrast, Yana Kunitskaya – Brazilian light heavyweight (93 kg) fiancée Thiago ‘Sledgehammer ‘- is in fine form in the company, having taken four of his last five fights.
The winner of the match between Aldana and Kunitskaya would be able to take the final move towards the ‘title shot’ of the Ultimate 61 kg category. The title of the division is currently held by Brazilian Amanda Nunes, who will defend it against challenger Julianna Pena on August 7 at UFC 265.